Digital technologies for underwater cultural heritage surveying
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Fabio Bruno
Teacher(s): Fabio Bruno, Antonio Lagudi
The course is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills related to digital technologies used in underwater cultural heritage surveying. It covers a comprehensive overview of various sensors and localization devices employed in seabed mapping, including techniques for processing and integrating optical and acoustic data. The course also explores digital technologies that enhance surveying and documentation during scientific diving operations. Additionally, students will learn about the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for target classification in underwater opto-acoustic imaging. Through this course, participants will gain a robust understanding of advanced technologies and methodologies for effectively documenting and analyzing underwater cultural heritage.
PhD training program in “TEACH – TEchnology applied to Cultural Heritage”
Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of digital technologies utilized in underwater cultural heritage surveying. They will gain knowledge of various sensors and localization devices used in seabed mapping, including the principles and techniques for processing and integrating optical and acoustic data. The course will also cover digital tools and methodologies that support scientific diving for surveying and documentation purposes. Additionally, students will learn about the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for target classification in underwater opto-acoustic imaging. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate the capabilities and applications of these technologies, and understand how they contribute to the effective documentation and analysis of underwater cultural heritage.
Students will be able to effectively apply their knowledge of digital technologies in practical underwater cultural heritage surveying scenarios. They will demonstrate the ability to utilize sensors and localization devices for accurate seabed mapping, process and integrate optical and acoustic data to generate detailed surveys and employ digital technologies to support surveying and documentation during scientific diving operations. Additionally, students will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for target classification in underwater opto-acoustic imaging. Through hands-on exercises and projects, students will showcase their skills in implementing these technologies to conduct thorough and accurate underwater surveys and documentation, addressing real-world challenges and producing actionable insights.
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate and make informed judgments about the effectiveness and suitability of various digital technologies used in underwater cultural heritage surveying. They will be trained to assess the performance and accuracy of sensors and localization devices, analyze the quality and reliability of processed optical and acoustic data, and determine the appropriateness of digital tools for scientific diving operations. Additionally, students will evaluate the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for target classification in underwater opto-acoustic imaging, considering both their advantages and limitations. At the end of the course, students will be able to make well-informed decisions regarding the selection and application of technologies, address potential issues, and propose improvements based on a critical understanding of the methodologies and their real-world implications.
Students will develop the ability to effectively communicate their findings and technical insights related to underwater cultural heritage surveying. They will be proficient in presenting complex information clearly through various formats, including written reports, oral presentations, and technical documentation. Students will learn to articulate the use of sensors, localization devices, and digital tools, as well as the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, in a manner that is accessible to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Additionally, they will be able to collaborate with peers and professionals, providing clear and constructive feedback, and participating actively in discussions about surveying methodologies and technologies. This will ensure that students can convey their understanding and analyses effectively in both academic and practical settings.
Students will develop the capability to independently acquire and integrate new knowledge and skills related to emerging technologies in underwater cultural heritage surveying. They will be equipped to stay abreast of advancements in sensors, localization devices, data processing techniques, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Students will learn to autonomously seek out and evaluate new information, adapt to evolving methodologies, and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their work. By fostering a proactive approach to continuous learning and self-improvement, students will be able to enhance their expertise and effectively apply innovative solutions to complex underwater surveying challenges.
A basic understanding of surveying and mapping principles, including techniques and tools used for spatial data collection and analysis.
Proficiency in general computer use, including file management, basic troubleshooting, and familiarity with software tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) is required.
Familiarity with basic AI concepts and techniques is beneficial but not essential. Understanding how AI can be applied to target classification in underwater imaging will enhance students’ ability to use these advanced technologies.
Lectures and seminars. Some lessons include practical demonstrations of the use of digital tools, favouring freeware and open-source tools. During the exercises, exercises are proposed to be carried out on real case studies.
At the end of the course, a questionnaire will be administered to the students containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Questions are addressed to evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
The course on digital technologies for underwater cultural heritage surveying is designed to equip students with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge crucial for modern underwater exploration and documentation. This course delves into several key areas, each essential for mastering the complexities of underwater surveying and mapping. Processing and Fusing Optical and Acoustic Data for Seabed Mapping forms a cornerstone of the course. Students will learn how to handle both optical and acoustic data, which are vital for creating accurate and detailed maps of underwater environments. Optical data, derived from high-resolution cameras and imaging systems, provides visual insights into the underwater landscape, while acoustic data, collected through sonar systems, offers information about the seabed’s topography and subaqueous features. The fusion of these data types enhances the overall quality of the maps, allowing for more comprehensive and precise underwater surveys. Practical exercises will give students hands-on experience in combining these data sources to produce integrated seabed maps, essential for effective underwater exploration and documentation. The integration of Sensors and Localization Devices is another critical component of the course. In underwater surveying, accurate data collection relies on sophisticated sensors and localization devices. Students will explore various sensor technologies, such as multi-beam sonar and side-scan sonar, which capture detailed images and data of the underwater environment. Localization devices, including GPS and underwater positioning systems, are essential for ensuring precise tracking and mapping of survey equipment. Understanding how to integrate these technologies allows students to create detailed and accurate spatial representations of underwater sites. Through case studies and practical applications, students will gain valuable insights into the successful integration of these technologies in real-world scenarios. Digital Technologies for Surveying and Documentation in Scientific Diving highlights the advancements in tools that support underwater exploration. Scientific diving often involves challenging conditions, and the course covers how digital technologies can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of underwater surveying and documentation. Students will become proficient in using digital tools to document underwater sites, including 3D modeling software and real-time data visualization. The practical application of these tools during simulated or actual diving scenarios ensures that students are well-prepared for the complexities of underwater work. Lastly, the course addresses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques in Target Classification within underwater opto-acoustic imaging. AI offers powerful capabilities for identifying and classifying targets in complex underwater environments. Students will learn how to apply machine learning algorithms and neural networks to analyze underwater images and data. This includes training AI models to recognize and classify various underwater objects, such as archaeological artifacts or marine life, improving the efficiency and accuracy of underwater surveys. Hands-on projects will allow students to implement AI techniques and evaluate their effectiveness in real-world applications.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievement of the following goals: SDG 14: Life Below Water; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The “Digital technologies for underwater cultural heritage surveying“ course is part of the TEACH (TEchnology applied to Cultural Heritage) PhD programme and it is accessible to all students enrolled in research doctorates at the University of Calabria. More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/offerta-formativa/dottorati/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
– Introduction to Seabed Mapping Techniques
– Methods and approach for merging optical and acoustic data
– Principles of Georeferencing in Seabed Mapping
– Sensors and instruments for Georeferencing
– Real-Time Georeferencing Strategies
– POverview of Digital Technologies in Underwater Surveying and documentation
– Digital Tools for Dive Planning, Navigation, Data Logging, and Diver Health Monitoring
– Current Trends and Innovations in Digital Surveying
– Basics of Artificial Intelligence in Imaging Analysis
– Data Pre-processing and Feature Extraction
– Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Approaches
– Performance Metrics and Evaluation
- Teaching material and tutorials will be provided by the lecturers.